My top tips for sewing curved hems

On Sewing Quarter this week I had the pleasure of demonstrating how to make a top with a very dramatic looking draped sleeve. I described it as a tube being attached to a circle. This may sound odd but those are actually the shapes that they are. I like to analyse and break down pattern shapes, not only for my own benefit when I’m designing a pattern but also as a way of encouraging my students to develop an eye for how patterns are made.

Ease stitching is a particularly useful stitch when making this design. Have a look at how the line of stitches enabled me to press a narrow hem all the way around the sleeve edge. It did look very much like a lily pad when I’d drawn the thread up!